Knox County will close compost site for 6–8 weeks for clearing, grading and managed‑site planning

County staff announced on June 30 that the public compost site will be closed beginning Sunday for an estimated six to eight weeks to allow clearing and repairs and to pursue a management agreement.

"The compost site, just a reminder, will close beginning Sunday and it'll remain closed for 6 to 8 weeks is probably the estimate," the presenter said, explaining that the volume of incoming material prevents the grading and cleanup necessary while the site remains open.

Staff said they are working with DEQ and a prospective site manager to draft a contract that would establish a managed site with set hours and monitoring. Under the planned arrangement, businesses that bring material would likely be charged by the company that manages the site rather than directly by the county.

Officials said the closure is temporary and intended to enable significant site improvements — including grading — so the facility can reopen in a better, more controlled condition. They indicated a goal of reopening in the first week of September, subject to completion of clearing and contracting.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting; commissioners were informed of the closure timetable and the staff plan to return with contract details for approval.